I've got a paphiopedilum orchid and some ferns that I've been keeping in pure bark for a few months now, but I'm struggling to figure out when to water them. Moisture meters don't seem to work well with this type of medium, and I can't easily stick my finger in the bark to check moisture levels like I do with other plants. Any tips on how to tell when these plants need a drink? Additionally, I'm curious about how to water mounted plants, as I haven't tried that yet for the same reasons. Any advice would be really helpful!
2 Answers
For mounted plants, judging when to water can be pretty similar to using bark. Just spray them lightly or soak the mount when it feels dry to the touch. You’ll get the hang of it after a bit; it’s all about knowing your specific environment and how fast the mount dries out. Keeping them in a humid spot can help a lot too!
Great advice! I started misting mine daily, and they seem so much happier!
I have several orchids too, and I use clear plastic pots to keep an eye on condensation and the condition of the roots. For chunkier orchid roots, you can tell if they're drying out when they start to turn a silvery color. For paphs, it’s trickier since their terrestrial roots are fuzzy. Just keep an eye on the fans of the orchid; if they start to droop slightly, it might be time to water, but try not to let them dry out completely. The American Orchid Society is a great resource for specific care tips if you need them!
Thanks for the tips about drooping! I’ll look for that next time.
I've switched to unglazed terracotta pots for my orchids, and they seem much happier now, though I lose the visibility on the roots and condensation. It's a trade-off, I guess.
Totally agree! It’s definitely a balance to find, but once you do, caring for them becomes much easier.